In a recent conversation, an undercover journalist from O’Keefe Media Group spoke with Milton Jamerson, an Election and Voter Registration Clerk at the Philadelphia City Commissioners Office.

During this exchange, Jamerson confirmed that non-citizens residing in Philadelphia could participate in local elections, raising questions about Philadelphia’s voting policies, particularly concerning the role of residency versus citizenship in voting eligibility.

Adding to the complexity, the organization Ceiba, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) located across the street, has also asserted that individuals with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible to vote in local elections. However, the implications of Ceiba’s statement warrant careful consideration.

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit identifier issued by the IRS to people who are required to pay taxes but do not qualify for a Social Security Number, including non-citizens. It’s important to note that an ITIN serves only as a tax identifier and does not provide any form of legal voting rights or U.S. citizenship.